(written immediately upon reading the list, though delayed in publication due to birthday revelry)
Noooooooo!!!!
Where’s Keri Russell? Ugh! I know this is a golden era of drama, but Russell and Tatiana Maslany (I know, who?) were two of the hotly touted possibilities for actress in a drama, but were overlooked for Kerry Washington and Vera Farmiga. Actually, the three nominees that are nonsensical here are Connie Britton (a fine actress who is actually a weaker link on Nashville), Michelle Dockery (whom I love as Lady Mary, but did not give one of the best 6 performances of the year), and Elisabeth Moss (again, a fine actress, but whom had little to do as Peggy this season). Claire Danes and Robin Wright, no complaints (and actually, Kerry Washington is a nominee that tickles me).
The lack of love for The Americans (save a nomination for the divine Margo Martindale in Guest), and the lack of love for FX in general (Justified and Sons of Anarchy, wherefore art thou?), saddens me, but they did a few good things. No Betty White in Supporting Actress! No Jon Cryer in Comedy Lead Actor!
The comedy categories are depressing. That Glee can sneak a few major nods still (for directing, Jane Lynch, Dot-Marie Jones) is not testament to its schizophrenic quality (those are fine actors, and Paris Barclay is an accomplished, rewarded director), but rather to the lack of depth in these categories. The Office and 30 Rock picking up multiple nods in writing/directing? No offense, but it speaks to how little is out there (and Modern Family fatigue—ask Eric Stonestreet about that). Jason Bateman for the polarizing Arrested Development reboot? Really?
Things I’m pleased with: Diana Rigg. Kerry Washington. Elisabeth Moss for Top of the Lake. Carrie Preston. Charlotte Rampling. Merritt Wever and Anna Chlumsky. Tony Hale. Jonathan Banks. The love for House of Cards.
Things I’m annoyed about: The egregious snub of The Americans. Elisabeth Moss for Mad Men. Morena Baccarin (too many other deserving nominees—Joanne Frogatt, off the top of my head, or even Jennifer Carpenter or Monica Potter). Julianna Margulies. No RuPaul in the reality host category. No Jeff Perry for Scandal. No Freddie Highmore for Bates Motel (though that is a loaded category). The sad snub of Southland, particularly Michael Cudlitz and Regina King. Where’s Lily Rabe for American Horror Story? Jim Carter (fine actor, but not one of the 6 best performances in that category). Linda Cardellini (ugh). Where’s Corey Stoll?
The system is still an improvement on the past, but the annoyed list is much bigger than the pleased pile.
